Over the years it has again and again been stressed that despite good returns, processing is a weak link in the Indian textile industry and though there are near about 2,500 process houses in the country, less than 50 are advanced or using modern technology. Without doubt, this is of the biggest reasons why Indian mills are lacking on the quality front especially with regard to specialty fabric. Taking the bull by the horns A.T.E., a well established player in providing technology solutions to the textile chain, is today geared to offer a complete package for processing, from yarn/fabric to effluent treatment plant, as per the requirement and budget of various companies from large mills to medium sized processors. Apparel Online recently met S. Rajendran, Vice President, Textile Engineering – Processing, ETP and Utilities, A.T.E. Enterprises at their Mumbai headquarters, igniting an interesting discussion on the issues related to processing in Indian market and how A.T.E. is helping the industry gear up for a bigger role in global market…
Completing 75 years of value business and having a group turnover of more than Rs. 1,000 crore, the team at A.T.E. is enthusiastic of the future not only because the market is picking up, but also because many new projects are in the queue and a number of existing process houses are also moving towards upgradation. Technology from Europe as well as some from high-end Chinese companies, backed by a strong support and service team in India, is the backbone of the complete package which works well for processing industry as well as A.T.E. This seamless synergy of technology, on-floor consultancy and backend commitment is one of the biggest reasons that the company has installed many projects recently in North as well as in South, and many more are in the pipeline.
Encouragingly, these investments are not only by the big corporate houses having strong hold in the industry, but also from medium and small level companies, who are coming forward and upgrading their system. “Smaller and medium level companies are seeing the quality coming from corporate manufacturers and learning a lot about quality fabric and how to move up the value chain. In this way the processing segment is really upgrading and we are helping them with customized solutions,” says Rajendran. A.T.E. has a comprehensive technology portfolio that is compatible to different budgets, without compromising on quality. There are pure European technologies, European brands at comparatively cheaper prices because they are manufactured in China and also Chinese brands like Fong’s, which are considered no less if not better than any European brand in processing machines, but much more affordable.
This association with world class technology companies and machine manufacturers based in Europe as well as in China is why A.T.E. has found acceptability in many small traditional textile centres like Rajkot, Surat, Kolkata, Panipat, Ludhiana and also clusters in southern part of the country. Rajendran informed that the company is targeting projects in almost each and every fabric manufacturing hub with Bhiwandi a major focus area. “Many big companies are starting new projects near Nagpur, while Maharashtra is fast catching up in this segment mainly because of the lack of proper infrastructure facilities,” points out Rajendran. He adds that though business is picking up all over India and there is enough resources for investment with the entrepreneurs, mainly through Government’s schemes like TUFS, Government should play a bigger role, especially in pollution control so that what happened some years ago in Tirupur, is not duplicated.
Association with world class technology companies and machine manufacturers based in Europe as well as in China is why A.T.E. has also found acceptability in many small traditional textile centres.
A.T.E. is satisfied to see that there has been a tremendous change in the mindset of processors and while earlier most of them had batch processing, now may have converted to continuous processing not only for quality, but also from a saving and environment point of view. “These processors may not be able to modernize the complete processing house, but by upgrading the key areas like bleaching and dyeing and by using the latest technology, a movement in the right direction has been made and we are sure that major investments will now come from this segment,” reasons Rajendran.
One of the major constraints for the development of the processing segment is the lack of skilled and talented people. As processing industry continues to struggle on the talent front, A.T.E. is also lending a helping hand to the industry, not just by training, but being available with solutions and completely involved at each stage of the changeover. “We are very much transparent to the entrepreneurs, as it is not that as if we are just trying to sell them our machines. We help them in layout and designing, training of technicians to run the process house and their organizing training for their operational people, so that they can handle any situation in-house. We stay with them until it is fully operational,” informs Rajendran. On the other side to encourage new comers in the processing industry, A.T.E. professionals are delivering lectures at leading textile institutes, updating them about newer developments and motivating youngsters to become a part of this fast evolving and exciting industry. “Acceptance level of technology in India is very high, once an entrepreneur appreciates the technology and are convinced, they go in for investment immediately. The younger generation is coming up with a more open approach and they are changing the face of the industry,” concludes Rajendran.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
